The parent company of British Airways and Iberia has confirmed it is going with Boeing for a fleet of new long-haul aircraft.
The International Airlines Group has been unable to get sufficient discounts from European planemaker Airbus, so has gone to the US manufacturer, Boeing to fulfil the needs British Airways' fleet revival plans replacing the outgoing 747s. The firm is ordering up to 42 777X aircraft - which is made up of 18 firm orders and 24 options. On list prices, the order has a value of $18.6 billion, yet the real value is significantly less. Despite holding talks with Airbus, it was unlikely the group would move away from the American Boeing firm, British Airways has a fleet of over 60 777 aircraft
"The new 777-9 is the world's most fuel efficient long haul aircraft and will bring many benefits to British Airways' fleet. It's the ideal replacement for the 747 and its size and range will be an excellent fit for the airline's existing network," said Willie Walsh, IAG chief executive, reading from the Boeing scrip, "This aircraft will provide further cost efficiencies and environmental benefits with fuel cost per seat improvements of 30 per cent compared to the 747. It also provides an enhanced passenger experience."
British Airways is modernising its fleet currently as it needs to drive more efficiently into its global network. Recently the airline has introduced 787 Dreamliner family aircraft to replace its medium-sized widebody jets. The new 777-9 will replace British Airways' larger widebody aeroplanes, mainly the four-engine 747 jumbo jet.
The 777-9 is larger and has a slightly wider cabin than current 777s, which provides the ability to comfortably sit 400-425 passengers in a standard two-class cabin. Powered by 787 Dreamliner technologies, an all-new composite wing, and other enhancements, the 777-9 offers airlines 12 percent lower fuel consumption than competing aeroplanes. The 777-9 can also fly farther than its predecessors with a standard range of 7,600 nautical miles (14,075 kilometres).
